PSALM 147#The hymn is divided into three sections by the calls to praise in Ps 147:1, 7, 12. The first section praises the powerful creator who restores exiled Judah (Ps 147:1–6); the second section, the creator who provides food to animals and human beings; the third and climactic section exhorts the holy city to recognize it has been re-created and made the place of disclosure for God’s word, a word as life-giving as water.

God’s Word Restores Jerusalem

1Hallelujah!

I

How good to sing praise to our God;

how pleasant to give fitting praise.#a. [147:1] Ps 33:1; 92:2.

2The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem,

and gathers the dispersed of Israel,#b. [147:2] Is 11:12; 56:8; Jer 31:10.

3Healing the brokenhearted,

and binding up their wounds.#c. [147:3] Jb 5:18; Is 30:26; 61:1; Jer 33:6.

10#Acknowledging one’s dependence upon God rather than claiming self-sufficiency pleases God, cf. Ps 20:8; 33:16–19.He takes no delight in the strength of horses,

no pleasure in the runner’s stride.#j. [147:10] Ps 20:8; 33:16–18.

11Rather the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,

those who put their hope in his mercy.

III

12Glorify the Lord, Jerusalem;

Zion, offer praise to your God,

13For he has strengthened the bars of your gates,

blessed your children within you.#k. [147:13] Ps 48:14.

14He brings peace to your borders,

and satisfies you with finest wheat.#l. [147:14] Ps 81:17.

15#God speaks through the thunder of nature and the word of revealed law, cf. Is 55:10–11. The weather phenomena are well known in Jerusalem: a blizzard of snow and hail followed by a thunderstorm that melts the ice.He sends his command to earth;